RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMITS

Australian  citizens who have a job offer in Italy, or wish to work in Italy, either temporarily or permanently, must be provided with a work permit obtained by the prospective employer, and must obtain a work visa from the Italian Consular authorities BEFORE coming to Italy. A written job offer or an employment contract is not regarded as a valid document for working in Italy: the prospective employer is required to apply for preliminary clearance from the provincial employment office (Ufficio Provinciale del Lavoro e della Massima Occupazione) in the proposed city of employment by submitting evidence that persons qualified for the position offered to a non-resident foreigner are not available in the local labor market. If clearance is granted, the prospective employer is further required to obtain a work permit with the approval of the regional and central authorities. The permit is then sent to the worker so that he or she may apply for the entry visa. There are Italian consular offices in most major cities in Australia. The procedure for professional and self-employment is basically the same as that described above. A permit to reside in Italy for the purpose of employment is obtained after arrival in the country from the central police office (Questura) having jurisdiction. To apply for permit, you must submit a valid Italian visa and work permit.

INDIVIDUALS WITH A FIRM EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT AND THE APPROPRIATE WORK PERMIT ISSUED BY ITALIAN AUTHORITIES MUST OBTAIN AN ENTRY VISA FROM ITALIAN CONSULAR OFFICIALS PRIOR TO THEIR DEPARTURE FROM AUSTRALIA . THOSE WHO INTEND TO RESIDE IN ITALY, AND NOT TO WORK, MUST HAVE A GUARANTEED SOURCE OF INCOME WHICH WILL COVER ALL EXPENSES FOR THEIR INTENDED STAY IN ITALY. THEY MUST ALSO OBTAIN AN ITALIAN ENTRY VISA BEFORE ARRIVING IN ITALY

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN VARIOUS FIELDS

AUSTRALIAN FIRMS: If Italy had a presence of Australian firms and organisation in Italy it would have been a great  help for Australians to work in Italy. Unfortunately there are'nt. The Italia Australia Association  is  willing to host   Australians coming to Italy with  commitments from Australian organizations interested in exploring the Italian market. There would be  no need of a permit to work within the Association as we are a non profit organization. Remuneration should be given to the Australian concerned by the Australian company or organization interested in having a representative in Italy.  The Association in some cases may be able to help Australians to have a non remunerated work experience. within its own members interested in hosting Australians in their work place.

CHILD-CARE and BABY SITTERS: Baby-sitting as a form of employment is hard to find. Such chores are ordinarily performed by relatives, friends, or domestic workers. If a young woman finds "au-pair" employment in Italy, it would be non-authorized employment of a short duration for which minimal compensation should be expected.

NURSES: While most large cities in Italy have several hospitals, usually operated by the National Health Service and regional authorities, employment of  Australian  nurses is rare due to the difficulty in obtaining work permits for foreigners.

OFFICE WORKERS: There is very rarely an opening for Australian  secretaries, typists or office help, even for an Australian  having a fluent knowledge of Italian. The Ministry of Labor requires that preference be given in any case to Italians qualifying for such positions.

PART-TIME or SUMMER EMPLOYMENT: There is virtually no opportunity for  Australians to work part-time or as summer employees.

TEACHERS: There are a number of English-language schools in Rome and elsewhere in Italy.  They do have occasional vacancies for teachers, but some are staffed largely by members of religious orders while others employ only teachers who have obtained their qualifications in England.